Hyderabad: The state government of Telangana is planning to give more powers to the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRA). The new HYDRA Act may soon make it mandatory to seek permission from HYDRA before constructing residential and commercial buildings.
Currently, the Law department is adding the final touches to the HYDRA Bill. According to government sources, once this Bill is passed, anyone looking to construct new buildings in the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) area will need to get clearance from HYDRA as well as a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the local municipal bodies.
Top officials have stated that the HYDRA permission will become essential once the Bill is adopted in the upcoming special session of the state Assembly in October. HYDRA’s role will not only include demolishing illegal structures on government lands and in restricted areas near lakes, ponds, and other water bodies, but also preventing illegal constructions from happening in the first place.
HYDRA will be given powers similar to those of the GHMC, which issues NOCs for building construction. This means HYDRA will be able to inspect areas around water bodies where large-scale constructions are taking place. These inspections will ensure that no environmental rules are being violated and that water bodies are being protected from encroachments.
Officials said that the draft Bill will soon be sent to the Chief Minister for final approval. They also mentioned that the CM might suggest additional objectives for the Bill before it becomes law.
The government also plans to divide the city into three zones: Hyderabad, Cyberabad, and Rachakonda. SP-level officers will be appointed to oversee HYDRA activities in these zones. Under the new Act, HYDRA will also have the power to seize land where illegal structures are demolished, and it can either hand over the land to local authorities or auction it in the open market.
